Bourns CFG-A Wide Terminal Current Sense Resistors

Introduction

The Bourns CFG-A series consists of automotive-grade current sense resistors engineered for accurate current measurement in compact, high-power electronic designs. Their wide-terminal metal foil construction supports low resistance values, reliable operation, and effective thermal performance in demanding environments.

Part Description

CFG-A resistors are low-ohmic metal foil resistors designed to measure current by producing a small, predictable voltage drop across the component. They are available in compact 0508 and 0612 surface-mount footprints, helping designers incorporate current monitoring functions without requiring large through-hole shunt resistors.

Key characteristics include:

• Automotive-grade construction for reliability-focused applications
• Wide terminals that support improved current handling and heat dissipation
• Resistance options from 1 mΩ to 40 mΩ
• Power ratings from 1 W to 2 W, depending on package size and configuration
• Operating temperature range of -55°C to +155°C
• Metal foil element suitable for precise current-sensing circuits
• Surface-mount format for automated PCB assembly

The low resistance range minimizes unnecessary voltage loss and power dissipation while enabling feedback to current-monitoring amplifiers, battery-management controllers, motor drivers, and protection circuits.

Applications

Potential applications for Bourns CFG-A current sense resistors include:

• Battery current monitoring
• Battery management systems
• Motor current measurement
• Overcurrent protection circuits
• DC-DC converter current feedback
• Power supply current limiting
• Electronic fuse circuits
• Load-switch monitoring
• Charger current sensing
• LED driver current regulation
• Inverter and converter current measurement
• High-current PCB power distribution monitoring

Industries

Possible industries using CFG-A resistors include:

• Automotive and electric vehicles
• Renewable energy
• Industrial automation
• Power electronics
• Consumer electronics
• Telecommunications
• Robotics
• Energy storage systems
• Smart appliances
• Medical electronics
• Transportation and mobility equipment

Usage Ideas

1. 12 V Automotive Battery Monitor
   Place a low-value CFG-A resistor in series with a battery line and connect it to a current-sense amplifier to measure charging and discharge current.

2. Brushless DC Motor Controller
   Use the resistor in the motor supply return path to provide current feedback for torque control, stall detection, and overcurrent shutdown.

3. Compact DC-DC Converter Protection Board
   Add a CFG-A resistor to the converter output path and use a comparator or microcontroller ADC to detect excessive load current and disable the converter when needed.

Conclusion

Bourns CFG-A Wide Terminal Current Sense Resistors provide a compact and robust option for high-current measurement applications. With low resistance values, 1 W to 2 W power capability, wide-terminal construction, and an automotive-grade operating temperature range, they are well suited to current monitoring and protection functions in vehicle, industrial, power-conversion, and energy-storage designs.